Exporting goods from Iran to Iraq is one of the key paths to developing non-oil trade for our country. Iraq’s market, with a population exceeding 40 million, has a vast demand for imported goods, especially from its eastern neighbor, Iran. From food products and construction materials to home appliances, hygiene items, clothing, and agricultural products, all are among the categories suitable for export to Iraq. However, to enter this market, a detailed understanding of the legal, operational, and procedural steps of export is essential. In this article, we will examine, in a practical and step-by-step manner, the phases of exporting goods from Iran to Iraq.
Understanding the Iraqi Market and Selecting Goods
The first step in the export process is analyzing the target market. Iraq, as a country in the process of rebuilding after decades of conflict, needs a wide range of goods. Accurately identifying the market’s needs, consumption levels, purchasing power, competitors, and the preferences of Iraqi consumers helps exporters choose the most appropriate products for export. Items such as dairy products, sweets and chocolates, construction materials, cement clinker, simple home appliances, carpets, nuts, and detergents are currently among the most demanded export products to Iraq. Selecting goods that are competitive in quality and adaptable to the Iraqi market’s needs is the key to success in this sector.
Preparing Export Documents
After selecting the product, it’s time to prepare the necessary export documents. These documents include the sales invoice, packing list, business license card, certificate of origin, health or standard certification (if required), and the mandatory permits from relevant organizations like the Trade Promotion Organization or the Ministry of Agriculture. Registration of the order in Iran’s Integrated Trade System is also required for official exports.
These documents play a vital role in customs clearance, currency transfer, and building trust between trading parties. Any deficiency or mistake in these documents may cause delays in the export process or even result in the return of the shipment.
Obtaining Health, Standard, and Certificate of Origin Permits
Some goods destined for Iraq require specific certificates. For example, food products must have a health certificate issued by the General Veterinary Office or the Food and Drug Organization. Also, many export products need the Iranian National Standard Certificate and its approval by the Iraqi Standard Organization (IQS or COSQC).
The certificate of origin, which is issued by the Chamber of Commerce, specifies exactly where the product was manufactured and which country is the origin. This document is critical during customs clearance at the Iraqi border, especially when tariffs or restrictions are applied based on the country of origin.
Packing, Labeling, and Technical Preparation of Goods
For exports to Iraq, the packaging and labeling of goods should not be overlooked. Iraqi consumers are very sensitive to the product's appearance, information provided, and packaging format. Packaging must be sturdy, resistant to heat and humidity, and labeled in Arabic or bilingual (Persian–Arabic). Information such as product name, ingredients, manufacturing and expiration dates, producer, and country of origin must be clearly stated. Any shortcomings in this area can cause customer complaints or even prevent customs clearance at Iraqi borders.
Transport and Choosing the Right Border Crossing for Export
Transportation of goods to Iraq is mainly overland. Iran has several important borders with Iraq, each with its advantages and limitations. Parvizkhan border in Kermanshah province, Mehran border in Ilam, Khosravi border, Tamarchin border in Piranshahr, and Shalamcheh border in Khuzestan are among the busiest export terminals. The appropriate border crossing should be chosen based on the final destination of the goods, type of shipment, regional security conditions, and customs facilities.
In some cases, railway or marine transport through the port of Khorramshahr can also be used, especially for bulky goods or government projects in Iraq.
Customs Procedures in Iran
After preparing the documents and dispatching the goods to the border terminal, the next step is customs procedures in Iran. The export declaration must be registered at customs, and after evaluating the goods, documents, and permits, customs officers will issue the exit permit. At this stage, the exporter must pay customs duties (if any), as well as assessment and customs service fees.
Additionally, for many goods, sampling and quality checks are conducted at export points to ensure consistency with the declared information. Once the export license is issued, the goods are permitted to exit the country.
Customs Procedures and Clearance in Iraq
On the other side of the border, the goods must be inspected by Iraqi customs. At this stage, having an importer or legal representative present in Iraq is very important. This representative must provide import documents, the required permits from the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, and the health certificates accepted by the Iraqi side. In certain cases, goods that the Iraqis consider to have issues, such as incomplete labeling, unclear expiry dates, or unknown ingredients, may be seized or returned.
As Iraq has specific standards for imported goods, prior coordination with the Iraqi partner to ensure product compliance with the country’s standards is essential.
Receiving Payment and Settling Accounts
One of the most important stages in export is financial settlement and receiving payment for the goods. Exports to Iraq are mainly made in cash, via remittance through exchange offices, or It interbank agreements. Due to banking issues between the two countries, using approved exchange offices is considered the best option for transferring funds.
To minimize financial risks, exporters are advised to receive part of the payment before shipment or use tools such as letters of credit or bank guarantees. Precise documentation of all transactions and keeping banking records are also highly effective in case of legal disputes.
After-sales Services and Support in the Iraqi Market
If items such as equipment, home appliances, or durable consumer goods are exported, providing after-sales service is crucial for long-term brand success in the Iraqi market. Some Iranian companies have increased customer satisfaction and maintained their market share by establishing representatives in cities such as Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, and Erbil.
Technical support, prompt response to complaints, offering warranties, and constant communication with Iraqi distributors will also strengthen the exporter’s position in the minds of end consumers.
Conclusion
Exporting to Iraq, although attractive and profitable due to proximity, cultural similarities, and convenient land access, still requires a professional, organized, and well-documented process. From market analysis to obtaining permits, preparing goods, clearing customs, and receiving payment, each step should be pursued with care, thorough planning, and with the guidance of expert advisors.
By adhering to these requirements and establishing stable relationships with Iraqi importers, exporting to Iraq can become one of the most reliable and profitable business activities for Iranian exporters.
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